5 June 2019: Czech Army has taken the delivery of three two-seat L-159T2 aircraft from AERO Vodochody AEROSPACE a.s. The aircraft has been improved by a number of major upgrades to meet the new requirements of the Czech Air Force for advanced pilot training and military operations.
The new aircraft will replace the L-39ZA aircraft that are presently serving at 21st Tactical Air Force Base in Caslav, which end their service in the army this year after decades of successful operation.
A handover ceremony was held at the Aero premises for the last three L-159T2 aircraft with attendance of representatives of the Czech Air Force, Caslav Air Base and Aero Vodochody and in the presence of certification authorities.
"Delivery of the L-159T2 is an important step in the L-159 program because it significantly expands the capability and technological maturity of this advanced training and combat platform. I believe the L-159T2 service in the Czech Air Force will confirm the high quality of the aircraft," said Dieter John, President & CEO of Aero Vodochody.
"The takeover of the L-159T2 represents an important milestone for the Czech Air Force. The two-seat version of this aircraft will be used for advanced training of young pilots. It will enable them to switch faster to supersonic Gripens. I hope that the new aircraft, delivered by our long-term partner Aero Vodochody, will help us with this process significantly," said the commander of the 21st Tactical Air Force Base Caslav, Colonel Petr Tomanek.